C1 Stable Jefferson injury

06-11-2016, 12:27 PM

Hi, I'm looking for a little clarification on my C1 Injury. On March 19, 2016, I woke up with an allergic reaction from a blood pressure medication prescribed by a Cardiologist. I called my primary Doc that morning and he recommended Benadryl for the itching. The making of a perfect storm. Later that night after bed, I woke up to go use the bathroom and passed out and landed square on my face, breaking my C1 in 3 places. I was diagnosed with a Stable Jefferson fracture, wearing the Somi brace for 3 month. This week, I had the final Cat Scan, brace removed and was told that the C1 healed on the left side but the two breaks on the right side did not heal, known as a non union fracture. The brace is off and I'm going to PT for the rest of the month to loosen up my neck stiffness. Once that is completed, I will have a Dynamic motion Xray to determine the range of existing damage, if any. The neurosurgeon stated that most likely, I will live the rest of my life with a broken non-union C1 and can resume normal activities as I progress. I'm grateful that the injury was stable and that my ligaments were not compromised. Any thoughts?

You are very lucky that you did not sustain a spinal cord injury with your fracture, as a C1 SCI would result in total paralysis and being dependent upon a ventilator for breathing.

I would want to know what limitations the Neurosurgeon is going to put on your activities, sports, etc. with what he considers a stable non-union in that area. I would also want to get a second opinion, probably from an orthopedic spine specialist, about the recommendations made to you about no more bracing or surgery being needed.

(KLD)

The SCI-Nurses are advanced practice nurses specializing in SCI/D care. They are available to answer questions, provide education, and make suggestions which you should always discuss with your physician/primary health care provider before implementing. Medical diagnosis is not provided, nor do the SCI-Nurses provide nursing or medical care through their responses on the CareCure forums.

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Thank you for your advice. Prior to the injury, I was very fit in terms of muscular and cardiovascular fitness. In fact, the added muscle around my neck might of been the difference between where I am now and what could of been. The neurosurgeon recommended taking it slow but noted that I can return to running and weight lifting very soon. I just returned from a 5 mile walk. The neck is still extremely stiff. I'm going to take your advice and seek out an orthopedic spine specialist. I did ask about surgery but he wants to see the motion x-rays in 3 weeks. He didn't think that I needed additional bracing or surgery. Do you think its too soon to start getting back into physical fitness?

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Avoid activities that put your neck into extreme flexion or extension, or rotation (since most rotation occurs between C1 and C2). Also avoid axial loading activities such as jumping up and down (which may include running) and, bouncing, or coming down hard on your butt. We often recommend wearing the cervical collar or other spinal orthosis for at least 3 months after it is removed for other activities when riding in a motor vehicle; and that is with a vertebrae that is fully healed.

(KLD)

The SCI-Nurses are advanced practice nurses specializing in SCI/D care. They are available to answer questions, provide education, and make suggestions which you should always discuss with your physician/primary health care provider before implementing. Medical diagnosis is not provided, nor do the SCI-Nurses provide nursing or medical care through their responses on the CareCure forums.